Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (krg.org) KRG Prime Minister and President of the Economic Council, Nechirvan Barzan, conducted a meeting yesterday of the Economic Council of the Kurdistan Region.

Import and export systems, customs pricing, and raising professional standards of staff at border crossings were reviewed.

To enhance capacities of Kurdistan Region border staff, increased coordination with the federal government was urged because of their association with international organizations who could provide specialized training.

Also discussed were expansion of border crossings, particularly Ibrahim Kahlil, to significantly increase trade volume, and the establishment of an electronic system to streamline issuance of import/export licenses.

Progress in establishing the Erbil Stock Exchange was reviewed. In order for the Exchange to operate according to the highest international standards with full understanding of the Region’s current economic and financial situation, it was urged that competent international expertise be sought to review the organization chart and other pertinent factors.